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People with passion for education urged to take school role

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People with a passion for education are being encouraged to consider becoming a school governor or Interim Executive Board member.

Members of a school's Governing Board or Interim Executive Board are instrumental in maintaining and improving the standard of education for its pupils, and the City of Wolverhampton Council is seeking to recruit more people to these crucial roles.

Governors set the vision for a school, hold senior leadership to account and make important decisions covering issues such as policy making and the school's budget and curriculum.

Councillor Claire Darke, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "We're really keen to hear from people who care about the education of children, who will tackle any issues and are prepared to ask difficult questions in order to further improve education standards in Wolverhampton.

"Becoming a governor and joining one of the more than 100 Governing Boards and Interim Executive Boards which are operating across the city is an enjoyable and rewarding way to play an active part in the local community - and can allow people to further develop their strategic management skills and enhance their CVs.

"As a council, our aim is very clear; we want to ensure that all children and young people in Wolverhampton can attend good and outstanding schools and are able to achieve outcomes which exceed expectations.

"To do this we need high performing Governing Boards and Interim Executive Boards which are able to drive improved outcomes through a combination of effective strategic leadership and by challenging and supporting schools.

"It goes without saying that we need the best possible people on these boards and, while we are fortunate that we already have around 1,200 governors doing a fantastic job for the young people of Wolverhampton, we're always on the look out for more to fill vacancies as and when they occur."

Professionals who have one or more skills in the areas of finance, human resources, health and safety, strategic management, marketing and data analysis are in high demand, although schools' needs are not limited to just these areas - there are a variety of different roles but ultimately they all involve working with the headteacher and senior leadership team to make sure that pupils receive the best possible education.

Councillor Darke said: "The main attribute we are looking for in an applicant is a burning desire to improve education standards. We will provide them with all the necessary training and support to carry out this important role."

To find out more about becoming a governor, please visit Type=articles;Articleid=2553;Title=School Governance; or contact Rebecca Fletcher by calling 01902 554137 or emailing rebecca.fletcher@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

Councillor Darke added: "Already more than three quarters of pupils in Wolverhampton attend schools which are rated either good or outstanding by Ofsted, but we want to make that figure even higher, and with the support of our Governing Boards I am confident we can achieve this ambition."

Lord Nash, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools, said: "There can never have been a more important time in our country's recent history to be involved in education, and we need skilled and motivated governors who are committed to transforming our schools."